Disaster Response

The Atlantic yesterday had a really interesting interview, How Steven Chu Used Gamma Rays to Save the Planet .

"It should be recognized, though, because when it comes to government disaster response, the Bush years marked a low point and right now we're experiencing a high point. For a vivid illustration of this disparity, look no further than the Gulf. During Katrina, FEMA director Michael Brown secured his place history as the poster boy for government incompetence. Now consider Chu, the Nobel Prize Winner who has been at BP headquarters in Houston with a team of government scientists trying to figure out how to stop the leak. According to a government official, BP initially 'dismissed' Chu's gamma ray suggestion, but came back a week later and admitted 'Chu's right.' 
 
I talked to Chu this afternoon about the government's response to the disaster. As a mental exercise, try and imagine what these answers would sound like if 'Brownie' or some other top Bush officials were still overseeing disaster relief in the Gulf."

Read it.